Epic Universe just got its first after hours event, and tickets are already up for grabs.

Universal Orlando opened ticket sales for Universal Nights at Epic Universe, a new limited capacity evening event happening on just two dates this fall: October 3 and October 17, 2026. If you have been eyeing the park's five immersive worlds without the daytime crowds and Florida heat, this is your shot.

What You Get With Universal Nights

Tickets start at $179 per person, plus tax, for three hours of exclusive park access. Early entry begins at 7 p.m., and from 9 p.m. until midnight, ticket holders get access to all five worlds, including Celestial Park, Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic.

The event also debuts a new nighttime show called Universal Celestial Goodnight, plus character meet and greets across the park. Food and drink are included too: unlimited berry flavored Celestial Popcorn, crispy Kimchi Bao at Celestial Park, and free refills at Coca-Cola Freestyle stations.

If you already hold an Annual Pass, you'll save 10 percent on tickets. Premier Passholders save 15 percent, and Preferred Passholders get 10 percent off food and beverage during the event.

Should You Buy In

At $179 for three hours, Universal Nights costs more per hour than a standard single day ticket, which runs $139 to $199 plus tax for a full day in the park. That said, Epic Universe's biggest complaints since opening have been long lines and brutal midday heat, and this event sidesteps both. If you have never seen the park lit up at night, that alone might be worth the price of admission.

With only two dates on the calendar and capacity capped, I would not wait around if you want in. Limited run events like this tend to sell out the closer they get to the date.

How to Pay for It (and Protect the Trip)

Since this is a discretionary splurge, put it on a card that actually earns something back on the purchase. The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 5x points on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards and 2x on all other travel, which stretches further toward your next trip. If Universal Nights is part of a bigger Orlando vacation, our guide to the best credit cards for vacation packages breaks down which cards earn the most on the whole trip, not just the ticket.

Given the cost and the tight ticket window, it's also worth adding travel insurance. If your dates shift or a flight gets delayed, a flexible policy through Faye can help you recoup the cost of tickets you can't use.

Final Thoughts

Universal Nights at Epic Universe is a one time chance to experience the park's five worlds without the crowds, on just two nights this fall. Tickets are on sale now for October 3 and October 17, 2026, starting at $179 per person plus tax.

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