An Epic opening date from Universal
This week, Universal fans got the news they were waiting for, while Disney fans... did not.
Let's get right to it, starting with the biggest news yet for the 2025 season.
Universal Orlando sets opening date for Epic Universe: Universal Epic Universe will open officially on May 22, 2025. That's also the opening date for the park's Universal Helios Grand Hotel.
Tickets go sale for Universal Epic Universe: Three-day tickets that include one day at Epic Universe are starting at $352 plus tax, or $117.33 a day. Prices vary by date, and are higher for Park-to-Park tickets. The highest priced one park per day ticket we saw was $490 plus tax ($163.33 a day) and that was for the Friday after the grand opening.
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Vote - When will you visit Universal Orlando's Epic Universe?
Discussion:
Meanwhile, over at Disney, the news this week was a bit more divisive.
Disney to offer a pricey new express pass to skip its lines: Lightning Lane Premier Pass will debut October 23 at Disneyland and October 30 at the Walt Disney World Resort. It's the simplest Lightning Lane product yet... and the priciest. The pass at Disneyland will cost $400 per person per day.
The complete guide to Disney's Lightning Lane: Here is everything you need to know to use Disney's new Lightning Lane options at Walt Disney World or Disneyland.
Discussion - Disney is Charging Up To And Over $400 to Skip Lines?! Lightning Lane Premiere is INSANE!
Resource - Plan your Disney vacation with these updated theme park guides
In other Disney Parks news,
Previews begin for Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Disneyland: Magic Key holders are braving a virtual queue to get on the new attraction this week. The flume ride opens officially to all November 15.
A cruise fan's guide to the Disney Adventure: Sailing exclusively from Singapore, Disney's largest-ever cruise ship will feature more staterooms, more restaurants, and more attractions than ever - including Disney's first roller coaster at sea. We have the details.
Disney teases Iger exit once again: 'Who will succeed Bob Iger?' has been the biggest ongoing mystery at Disney for years.
In other theme park news:
Silver Dollar City plans hotel, $500 million expansion: The park's investment plan includes developing 1,200 acres next to the Branson, Missouri theme park. But first up is the completion of a 262-room hotel resort.
The Big Bad Wolf is coming back to Busch Gardens: A month after asking fans to vote on one of three proposed names for its new Bolliger & Mabillard family inverted coaster, Busch Gardens Williamsburg threw away those options and settled on a callback to its past.
SeaWorld Orlando plans after-hours Christmas coaster event: SeaWorld Orlando has an early Christmas present for roller coaster fans. The park will hold a 'Coasters After Dark Christmas Edition' event on select nights starting next month.
Discussion - Mach rides' "Rocking Boat" ride model
Finally, to save money on Disney admission, our ticketing partner has discounted Disneyland tickets, as well as a two-days-free deal available at Universal Orlando.
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Thank you for supporting Theme Park Insider, and best wishes for a wonderful week ahead,
Robert Niles