Early Park Admission at Epic Universe is a well-liked solution to beat the rope drop rush, getting into the park an additional hour sooner than common company and attending to a headstart on rides in three lands. This photograph report covers my morning expertise from Helios Grand Resort and why, opposite to our earlier recommendation, I not advocate beginning in Tremendous Nintendo World.
As primary background, Early Park Admission (EPA) is Common Orlando’s twist on Early Entry or Additional Magic Hours at Walt Disney World. Going ahead, EPA will probably be supplied at Epic Universe day-after-day by way of at the least December 31, 2025. It’ll virtually definitely proceed in 2026 and past, that’s so far as the calendar goes. Early Park Admission can also be supplied at Islands of Journey, however not Common Studios Florida.
Throughout Early Park Admission, all on-site Common Orlando resort company and different choose teams can entry considered one of our wonderful theme parks as much as one hour earlier than the park opens. It’s but to be solely half-hour at Epic Universe, and there’s no motive to anticipate that to vary anytime quickly. Unofficially, we’ve already skilled it beginning barely sooner than an hour upfront, and anticipate this to proceed to be the pattern going ahead at Epic Universe.
I’ve solely ever performed Early Park Admission from Common Helios Grand Resort, which is the in-park resort overlooking Epic Universe with its personal personal entrance into the park. The method for this resort goes to vary from the principle entrance, however from what I noticed and heard from buddies staying at Stella Nova and Terra Luna, it’s pretty comparable from the entrance.
One massive distinction is that Helios Grand Resort solely has one bag scanner and two turnstiles, which might sluggish the entry course of. The opposite massive distinction is that Tremendous Nintendo World, the principle promoting level of EPA, is way nearer to the entrance entrance of Epic Universe than it’s the Helios Grand Resort aspect. That is noteworthy as a result of ~90% of company are heading in direction of Tremendous Nintendo World throughout EPA.
Listed here are the out there points of interest throughout Early Park Admission at Common Epic Universe:
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Problem
- Yoshi’s Journey
Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Insanity- Stardust Racers
- Constellation Carousel
- Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
- Curse of the Werewolf
This implies the lands open throughout EPA are Celestial Park, Tremendous Nintendo World, and Darkish Universe. Aside from Mine-Cart Insanity in Donkey Kong Nation, as mirrored within the strike-through above. That’s there as a result of it was a part of EPA, and actually, the recommendation from our authentic technique information was: “do Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Insanity first.”
That was such an emphatic suggestion that it was bolded, because it was the unequivocal #1 finest time-saving strategy to Early Park Admission at Epic Universe. Welp, not anymore! Should you’re questioning why we not advocate Tremendous Nintendo World for EPA, that’s half of the reason. However there’s extra to it than that, as will probably be mentioned beneath.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic and The way to Practice Your Dragon – Isle of Berk each open at common rope drop. Nonetheless, there are some exceptions to this, as we’ll talk about beneath.
Anyway, let’s flip to a run-through of my morning throughout Early Park Admission at Epic Universe…
My final time doing Early Park Admission at Epic Universe was throughout previews, at which level safety and the turnstiles inside Helios Grand Resort had extraordinarily lengthy traces. So lengthy that we had been backed up by the pool space over an hour earlier than EPA even began. It was my understanding that Common had since addressed this by opening the checkpoint even earlier, which is an effective transfer to cut back this backlog, however it created the brand new downside of ready a very long time within the solar on the Helios walkway.
My aim was to string the needle. Not arriving so early that I’d be caught on the market too lengthy, however not being on the finish of that line or a part of the final minute rush to enter Epic Universe proper round 9 am. With that in thoughts, I settled on arriving at bagcheck round 8:35 am. This was undoubtedly a ‘candy spot,’ as there was completely no line by any means at safety or the turnstiles.
Outdoors, there have been ~50 folks in entrance of me, however the line was fully manageable. Not an excessive amount of of a crowd gathered behind me, both, till round 8:50 am. So I’d say that the ‘candy spot’ was round 8:30 to eight:45 am. You would possibly want to regulate that earlier on peak season dates when there’s a larger incentive to reach earlier. (Though maybe not–occupancy is excessive at Helios on a regular basis.)
I don’t see a lot level in being on the entrance of the pack. It’s diminishing returns for being a couple of dozen folks ahead, particularly if it comes on the expense of staying till the bitter finish of the night.
For one factor, it’s a reasonably lengthy stroll to the Tremendous Nintendo portal and the pathways are large. Being among the many first in line for Early Park Admission is sort of meaningless. Events that present up ~half-hour after these first company may theoretically beat them to SNW. All of it comes right down to strolling pace because it’s completely not a single file line as soon as launched from the Helios holding space.
On this specific morning, it went from blue skies and sunshine to rain within the span of 5 minutes whereas ready for EPA. This being Florida, I at all times test the radar and got here armed with an umbrella. However a stunning variety of company didn’t, and had been immediately scrambling to move again inside because it began wet.
Shortly thereafter, we had been launched from the Helios holding space at 8:50 am.
From there, the race was on to Tremendous Nintendo World. Practically each visitor on the Helios Grand Resort aspect was heading in that course.
The stroll from there to the Tremendous Nintendo World portal took roughly 3 minutes. And that’s at a reasonably brisk tempo. I’d hazard a guess that the stroll from the entrance entrance might be performed in beneath 60 seconds, however it’s way more ‘managed,’ as you’ll see from the photographs beneath.
Beforehand, we shared that the “secret hack” to beating the gang for Early Park Admission in Tremendous Nintendo World is getting into by way of the ground-level bypass doorways to the left of the Nintendo Tremendous Star Retailer in Celestial Park. That allowed you to bypass the escalators and stairs, shaving off about 60-90 seconds.
This not works.
There’s now a Group Member stationed at this exit by way of Early Park Admission, directing company in direction of the entrance of Tremendous Nintendo World. This is smart, as EPA eligibility is now verified on the entrances of the portals, versus the park entrances.
Pictured above is Early Park Admission company being slowly escorted from the entrance entrance to Tremendous Nintendo World to, presumably, keep away from a stampede. In case it’s not clear, it is a enormous herd that I’m beating by about 5-10 seconds. I didn’t see the top of the pack right here, however I’d estimate this was simply 5 instances the variety of folks coming from the Helios aspect.
Right here’s the place brisk strolling matter. Frankly, luck performed an even bigger position than something, because it’s not as if that is coordinated to present the sting to Helios Grand Resort company. Had I been ~30 seconds slower (as a majority from my aspect in all probability had been), I’d’ve been behind the entire non-Helios resort company.
I strongly suspect outcomes right here range daily. That is type of the way it works at EPCOT when making an attempt to hit Cosmic Rewind or Check Monitor for Early Entry from Worldwide Gateway. The again entrance is given a slight head-start to offset the longer distance, however it comes right down to luck and strolling pace to find out which aspect “wins.”
Because of my good fortunes and pace, I may’ve been among the many first dozen company of the day to trip Mario Kart: Bowser’s Problem.
What would’ve been the enjoyable in that?! I’d’ve been caught in that line for the subsequent couple of minutes ready for it to open, then confirming it was a walk-on, after which ending roughly midway by way of Early Park Admission due to pre-shows and complete attraction period.
At that time I may’ve performed Yoshi’s Journey with a lower than 10 minute wait. Following that, I may’ve been among the many first ~100 company in line for Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Insanity when that opened (knock on wooden) at 10 am. This might’ve been a fruitful morning, and it truly is my suggestion for those who’re a speedy gambler.
However I needed one thing extra complete for this report. I’m unsure once I’ll get one other crack at EPA in Epic Universe, and have to be taught as a lot concerning the new park as doable. So as an alternative, I raced round for a bit. (Fairly actually–closing my train ring and logging hundreds of steps earlier than 10 am.)
I began with a lap round Tremendous Nintendo World to seize some empty park photographs. As you’ll be able to think about, not lots of people are speeding to be first in line at Yoshi’s Journey. After a couple of minutes of this, I circled again to take a look at the road at Mario Kart: Bowser’s Problem after the primary wave of company arrived.
This was the scene as of 8:58 am:
Fairly the lengthy line!
Not solely was this getting lengthy, however it was insanity between Mario Kart and the doorway to Tremendous Nintendo World. The entire course of jogged my memory of the Early Entry at Avatar Flight of Passage. We’ve beforehand described that as ‘managed chaos,’ which can also be apt right here. There’s solely a lot the gang might be managed with virtually everybody heading to the identical attraction.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Problem opened to a 60 minute posted wait time. The precise wait time clearly would’ve diversified relying upon the place company the place within the EPA herd. Had I performed this instantly upon entry, my complete wait would’ve been beneath quarter-hour. Somebody arriving 30 seconds after me from the Helios aspect would possibly’ve waited 30-45 minutes. Once more, luck and pace matter method an excessive amount of to make this a dependable suggestion.
With the majority of the crowds descending upon Tremendous Nintendo World, I known as a counterintuitive audible and headed over to Darkish Universe.
It’s the identical state of affairs right here, with Group Members verifying EPA eligibility earlier than permitting company to enter the portal.
Some followers lament the daytime ambiance in Darkish Universe, contending that it’s solely good at night time.
I wholeheartedly disagree. Mornings are sufficiently spooky, with a layer of mist and quiet shrouding the realm in a foreboding ambiance. The morning gentle kissing the gothic options additionally exaggerates their textures.
Above is a video walk-through I captured throughout this Early Park Admission.
Early morning isn’t higher than night time–there’s no debate about that. However it’s a detailed second. I like this time of day in Darkish Universe, and if I had been visiting “for enjoyable” I’d’ve been inclined to linger and benefit from the moody ambiance.
Monsters Unchained was having the dreaded delayed opening.
This wasn’t an enormous deal to me. Monsters Unchained is a (figurative) folks eater. It’s additionally a prolonged attraction from start-to-finish due to distinctive pre-shows. I’d strongly advocate not doing this throughout EPA.
Resist the temptation, even when that is (justifiably) considered one of your must-dos at Epic Universe.
That made Curse of the Werewolf the one operational attraction in Darkish Universe.
As you’ll be able to see, the posted wait time was 5 minutes.
Eager to steadiness analysis with enjoyable (and never know what, if something, I’d have the ability to get performed throughout the day), I opted to make Curse of the Werewolf my first attraction of the day.
My precise wait time was proper round 5 minutes.
Curse of the Werewolf has a mean month-to-date wait time of 52 minutes, which doesn’t put it among the many prime rides at Epic Universe.
However that’s adequate for #2 of the EPA points of interest, behind Mario Kart at 86 minutes.
Should you, for some motive, needed to loop Curse of the Werewolf, you in all probability may do it 5 instances throughout Early Park Admission. Possibly extra. I’m fairly assured you would solely do Mario Kart as soon as. Should you did Curse of the Werewolf even twice, you’re popping out forward of doing Mario Kart as soon as. That makes this a wonderful and low-friction zig after they zag technique for EPA at EU.
There’s undoubtedly some knowledge in knocking out shorter period points of interest first, after which turning your consideration to the longer ones. Ditto the out of doors ones, when rain is within the forecast, as downtime can balloon the common look ahead to Curse of the Werewolf.
I’d additionally add that I believe Curse of the Werewolf is underrated. I’ve loads of criticism about its themed design (each within the land as a complete and on the trip), however as a coaster, it’s punchy and enjoyable. Not on par with Stardust Racers, however that’s apples to oranges.
It’s additionally doable that you simply’ll nonetheless have time to hit Mario Kart earlier than Early Park Admission is over for those who begin on the faster rides like this.
Frankenstein’s Manor was open and greeting company as soon as I used to be performed with Curse of the Werewolf. Posted wait was 10 minutes, however I’d should think about it was a walk-on given how desolate Darkish Universe was.
Additionally, the sky had turned again to blue in a matter of minutes.
Now it was time to make a lap of Epic Universe.
I turned to the trusty and lavishly produced navigational signage to chart my course.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic is often open throughout Early Park Admission.
Whether it is, it’s simply open to everybody. This portal isn’t a part of EPA, so anybody can entry it.
Together with that, Battle on the Ministry is a type of points of interest that always appears to open at any time when it’s prepared.
On this specific day, that meant it was able to roll by 9:20 am (on the newest).
The posted wait time at this level was 45 minutes.
This appears to be like extra chaotic than the realm truly was. There are lots of people right here asking that Group Member questions. The most typical one from what I overheard was, “it’s open?”
If I had been an off-site visitor not eligible for EPA, doing Battle on the Ministry now would’ve been a no brainer.
Quick-forward my lap of the park (after stopping for a number of superfluous photographs) to Tremendous Nintendo World, the place Yoshi’s Journey nonetheless had a ten minute posted wait time.
Simply in watching the shortage of individuals getting into this line and the unfilled little Yoshi autos above, I’d hazard a guess it was a walk-on. The entrance of Mario Kart was additionally extra chill at this level, with the road (and 60 minute posted wait) solely contained in the indoor queue.
Over in Donkey Kong Nation, there was already an extended line pre-queueing for Mine Cart-Insanity at 9:34 am.
The month-to-date common wait time for Mine-Cart Insanity is 140 minutes, which makes this the longest wait in Epic Universe by 31 minutes. Accordingly, pre-queueing for this in direction of the tail finish of EPA may not appear to be a foul thought!
Simply needless to say Mine-Cart Insanity doesn’t formally open till 10 am now. In stalking wait instances from residence, I’ve seen some days when it opens earlier. I’ve additionally seen some days the place it suffers the dreaded delayed opening.
I’m going to exit of order right here a bit to disclose that this was a type of dreaded delayed opening days.
I’m not precisely positive what time Mine-Cart Insanity did begin working, however it undoubtedly wasn’t earlier than 11 am. This implies a few of these EPA company squandered at the least 90 minutes of beneficial time ready.
However then again, shortly after Mine-Cart Insanity did open for the day, it was posting a 240 minute wait time.
I strongly suspect this posted wait was extra about discouraging company from racing in direction of Mine-Cart Insanity, to permit it to course of the present Specific Move and standby line backlogs, than it was an correct estimate. However I wasn’t about to seek out out.
Circling again to our EPA timeline, this was the common rope drop line exterior Tremendous Nintendo World as of 9:41 am.
It’s by no means a good suggestion to make use of treasured morning time to be behind the Early Park Admission crowd. The company on the entrance of the pack in all probability may’ve been on and off Battle on the Ministry by the point 10 am rolled round. That’s the #2 wait time in Epic Universe!
It was an analogous story over by Isle of Berk.
Besides this was a smaller crowd and nobody right here was behind on-site resort company since this portal was not but open. It’s additionally price noting that the Toothless meet & greet is the #3 wait time in Epic Universe.
I’m just a little hesitant to advocate prioritizing that at common rope drop as a result of it’s so low capability that it doesn’t take a lot of a crowd to balloon that point. Should you’re a slower walker or simply unfortunate, you’ll be at a drawback.
With ~quarter-hour left on the clock throughout Early Park Admission, I used to be already scorching and drenched in sweat.
It was time to air dry and have some enjoyable on Stardust Racers.
As we’ve mentioned earlier than, one various strategy to Early Park Admission is solely looping Stardust Racers and seeing what number of instances you’ll be able to trip that superior curler coaster earlier than the crowds arrive. Stardust Racers has fairly wholesome throughput, so you need to be in good condition to do that many times with minimal waits. I don’t suppose it is a good strategy for those who’ve solely obtained at some point in Epic Universe, although.
I looped Stardust Racers 3 instances, after which level I had hit my restrict and it was barely after 10 am.
As a result of Stardust Racers is a people-eater, this isn’t an objectively nice technique. I ought to’ve performed it as soon as after which headed for Isle of Berk. However I used to be scorching and “wanted” this.
All in all, I completed three points of interest throughout Early Park Admission.
And consider, that was with out actually making an attempt. I used to be extra targeted on documenting and reporting on the expertise than truly having the expertise.
From my observations, I’d say an optimum zig after they zag strategy to Early Park Admission is as follows:
- Curse of the Werewolf
- Yoshi’s Journey (time permitting)
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Problem
- Pre-queue for Mine-Cart Insanity
Except you’re quick and fortunate, I actually suppose the play is zigging after they zag and skipping Tremendous Nintendo World to begin, so that you’re not combating the chaos and crowds of everybody who desires to be first for Mario Kart.
As an alternative, prioritize a smaller-scale attraction (Curse of the Werewolf being the optimum choose) after which hit Mario Kart after the primary wave of the gang begins to dissipate a bit. It’s counterintuitive, however ought to work most days.
The query of whether or not it is best to try a number of points of interest earlier than pre-queueing for Mine-Cart Insanity is an effective one. I come down on the aspect of recommending at the least doing Mario Kart. There’s a powerful temptation to be in direction of the entrance of the pack for Mine-Cart Insanity as a result of its low capability and excessive waits, however that comes with danger.
At this level, I come down on the aspect of knocking out extra points of interest. The chicken in hand and all that. Epic Universe nonetheless has a number of breakdowns and climate closures, so undertaking something you’ll be able to when wait instances are low is advantageous. Since you by no means know if that’s going to be the unfortunate day.
Yoshi’s Journey could be a walk-on throughout EPA, earlier than breaking down for the subsequent ~5 hours, after which being a 90 minute wait all afternoon. You additionally by no means know when Mine-Cart Insanity gained’t truly open at 10 am, however as an alternative 11 am or 2 pm. I virtually at all times favor the positive factor over the danger–particularly with regards to new or unreliable rides, and Epic Universe has a lot of these.
Truthfully, I come down on the aspect of saving Tremendous Nintendo World till a lot later. On this specific day, Mario Kart’s wait time peaked within the first few hours and progressively decreased within the afternoon. Night was additionally extra nice in Tremendous Nintendo World, as a result of the solar wasn’t reflecting off the pavement and surfaces and warmth wasn’t radiating out of the bottom. Anybody who did Tremendous Nintendo World within the final 3 hours of the day would’ve assuredly had higher outcomes than these within the first 3 hours of the morning.
Lastly, it’s price noting that Early Park Admission will not be all that helpful at Epic Universe. Throughout all of my days on the new park, the best wait instances of the day had been all posted in direction of the top of EPA and proper round common rope drop. The issue is that the 11 on-site resorts have over 10,000 rooms and people aren’t even the one company eligible for EPA. Then there’s the truth that utilization of EPA is excessive, as Epic Universe is brand-new and company really feel a larger sense of urgency to take full benefit and beat the crowds.
On prime of that, solely round one-third of the park is open, consolidating that demand right into a low variety of points of interest. So it will not be price arriving ~90 minutes upfront for Early Park Admission. Personally, I believe it’s for the sake of knocking out Curse of the Werewolf and/or Mario Kart: Bowser’s Problem. It’s additionally superior to be inside Tremendous Nintendo World because the morning gentle illuminates the colourful panorama of the Mushroom Kingdom and Donkey Kong Nation; and because the morning mist shrouds Darkish Universe in secrecy and intrigue.
With that stated, I’d not advocate Early Park Admission on the expense of evenings in Epic Universe. In case your get together realistically solely has stamina for one or the opposite, it is best to sleep in. Whereas there’s uncertainty within the above technique, I’m 100% positive of that suggestion. Company hit a wall at Epic Universe, and late nights are great within the park. Barring catastrophe, you’ll get extra performed in that final hour than you’ll within the first!
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Your Ideas
What’s your plan for Early Park Admission at Epic Universe? Agree with our zig after they zag technique to skip Tremendous Nintendo World and begin someplace else first? Or do you have got another plan of assault for beating the crowds? Which of those rides are your highest precedence Epic Universe or Orlando points of interest? Do you agree or disagree with any of our technique? Any questions? Listening to your suggestions–even once you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!