Early Park Admission at Universal gets you into the park up to an hour before the official park opening. That means shorter lines at the most popular attractions, lower crowds in the parks, and touring during cooler temperatures. This article covers all you need to know about Early Park Admission, how to get it, and how to use the perk.

What is Early Park Admission?

Early Park Admission is a program where select guests are granted admission to select attractions before the general public. Early Park Admission runs for one hour at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe; EPA runs for half an hour at Volcano Bay.

How To Get Early Park Admission

There are two ways to receive Early Park Admission to Universal Orlando parks.

Stay at an On-Site Universal Hotel

Guests staying at the following hotels receive Early Park Admission for the length of their stay:

• Loews Portofino Bay Resort*
• Hard Rock Hotel*
• Loews Royal Pacific Resort*
• Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
• Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• Universal Aventura Hotel
• Universal Endless Summer Surfside & Dockside Resorts
• Universal Stella Luna Resort
• Universal Terra Luna Resort
• Universal Helios Grand Hotel

This includes check-in and check-out dates. The asterisked hotels also receive a complimentary Express Pass (Blog – Universal’s Best Secret – Complimentary Hotel Express Pass).

Have a Universal Orlando Annual Pass

All Universal Orlando Annual Passes receive Early Park Admission benefits, with the lower tiers having major blackout periods.

• Premier Pass – No blackout dates
• Preferred Pass – July, American Thanksgiving, Christmas through New Year’s blockouts
• Power & Seasonal Pass – only available from early February through mid-March

For a full list of dates, visit Universal’s site.

Which Attractions Are Available During Early Park Admission?

Universal Studios Florida

• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
• Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
  • Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
  • Olivanders

Islands of Adventure

• Jurassic World VelociCoaster
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
  • Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
  • Flight of the Hippogriff
  • Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure
  • Olivanders

Epic Universe

• Stardust Racers
• Super Nintendo World
  • Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge
  • Yoshi’s Adventure
  • Donkey Kong Minecart Madness
• Dark Universe
  • Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
  • Curse of the Werewolf

Volcano Bay

• Honu of the Honu Ika Moana
• ika Moana of the Honu ika Moana
• Krakatau Aqua Coaster
• Ko’okiri Body Plunge
• Waturi Wave Pool

(Attraction selection is available to change.)

Does Express Pass Work During Early Park Admission?

Yes! Express Pass is active during Early Park Admission based on Universal’s discretion. We expect Express Pass to operate during EPA during the busy periods like weekends, holidays, Halloween Horror Nights, and the summer.

How Does Early Park Admission Work?

All guests are let into the park approximately 15 minutes before Early Park Admission. Signage around the entrance areas to the park will direct guests to Early Park Admission to a line. Guests participating in Early Park Admission will show either their hotel room key or their UOAP for admission to EPA, no scans, just a quick flash will work. All remaining day guests are held in the entry area before being allowed into the rest of the park at park opening.

What is the first ride you ride during Early Park Admission? Leave your tips in the comments below!