Have you experienced Universal Epic Universe after dark? Maybe so, but I can almost guarantee that you haven’t experienced it to its fullest potential. That’s what Universal Nights offers — here’s what you need to know about it:
- Universal Nights is a premium, after-hours event that allows guests to experience all of the thrills of Universal Epic Universe with shorter wait times.
- Complimentary snacks and beverages are available at Universal Nights, including specialty snacks and Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages.
- For 2026, Universal Nights takes place on October 3, 17 and 24 and November 6 and 20. The event runs from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. with early park access starting at 7 p.m. Click here to secure your ticket.
Already working on your evening itinerary? This complete guide to Universal Nights will help you make the most of your after-hours extravaganza!
Jump to:
WHAT TO DO | WHAT TO EAT | KNOW BEFORE YOU GO | WHAT TO PACK | WHERE TO STAY
What to Do at Universal Nights
Universal Nights offers the full Epic Universe experience, but with shorter wait times thanks to the event’s limited capacity. And when I say “the full Epic Universe experience,” I mean everything. That includes all five worlds and their attractions, shows and character meet-and-greets:
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
- SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
- How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
- Dark Universe
- Celestial Park
In case you were wondering, the only thing cooler than racing a comet across the sky is racing a comet across the night sky. Which is why Stardust Racers is near the top of my to-do list for Universal Nights, right next to “eat as much complimentary food as is socially acceptable.”
There’s so much to do at Epic Universe, you’d be scrolling for ages if I listed all of the attractions and experiences here. But if you’re curious about everything you can enjoy during Universal Nights, check out our complete guide to Epic Universe, or click on one of the world guides below:
Ministry of Magic | Isle of Berk | Dark Universe | Celestial Park
What to Eat at Universal Nights
I cannot stress this enough: Universal Nights allows you to experience everything that Epic Universe has to offer, but after dark. And that includes your favorite restaurants! So if you’ve been dreaming of enjoying a slice from Pizza Moon underneath the actual moon, well, you need to get your Universal Nights ticket posthaste.
Along with all of the usual Epic Universe food offerings available for purchase, Universal Nights also offers a couple of complimentary snacks. Throughout the night, you can enjoy unlimited:
- Kimchi Bao: Crispy chicken tossed in gochujang sauce, scallion yuzu aioli and Korean slaw
- Celestial Popcorn: Colorful, berry-flavored popcorn with edible glitter
- Coca-Cola Beverages: Refills from Coca-Cola Freestyle machines throughout the night
Complimentary snacks are available in Celestial Park. So no matter which portal you find yourself in when hunger strikes, you’re only a short walk away from a bite.
What to Know Before You Go to Universal Nights
A separate ticket is required for admission to Universal Nights. You can purchase your ticket here. Passholders can take advantage of a 10% discount.
Admission to Universal Nights includes:
- Early access to Epic Universe starting at 7 p.m.
- Exclusive access to all attractions from 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. during the event
- Unlimited complimentary snack and beverages
PRO TIP: In addition to all of Epic Universe’s dining venues, all of the merchandise locations are open during Universal Nights, too! So, yes, you can take home a Captain Cacao plush to commemorate the occasion.
Click here to check out our complete guide to the must-have merch from Epic Universe.
What to Pack for Universal Nights
Normally, the first thing I tell anyone to pack for a theme park is sunscreen. But since Universal Nights takes place after the sun goes down, no need to weigh down your bag with SPF! Instead, you can travel light and comfy. Personally, I’m a fanny pack truther, and you’ll never see me at any theme park without comfy sneakers on. I would also recommend bringing a small refillable water bottle. (Just because it’s dark out doesn’t mean you can skip out on hydration!)
PRO TIP: Some rides at Universal Epic Universe require the use of an attraction locker. Another reason to pack light so all of your belongings can fit inside!
Where to Stay for Universal Nights
If you’re an Orlando local, you might be tempted to simply drive home after your evening of fun at Epic Universe. But wouldn’t you rather stay a little closer to the action, especially when you’ll be out until the wee hours of the morning? Thanks to the complimentary transportation between all of Universal’s theme parks and hotels, you’ll never have a long journey to a cozy bed. But for maximum convenience, I recommend staying at one of these hotels:
Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel
Picture this: It’s midnight. You’ve just finished riding Constellation Carousel, your belly is full of complimentary bao, and all you want to do is curl up in bed and dream sweet dreams of hugging Captain Cacao. Well, if you stay at Universal Helios Grand Hotel for Universal Nights, you can simply mosey back to your room at the end of the night! Not to mention the promise of a delicious breakfast buffet at Flora Taverna the next morning…
Universal Stella Nova Resort or Universal Terra Luna Resort
The second-closest lodgings to Epic Universal are Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort, both a short shuttle ride away. Stella Nova has a slight advantage with a dedicated walking path, but both hotels promise futuristic digs to welcome you home after a long (but fun) night.
What are you most excited to experience at Universal Nights? Comment and let us know!
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