We knew there was a demand for Universal Express Passes for Epic Universe.
Having spent hours in the online queue on Thursday to look at availability, that theory checks out.
Recommended Videos
Hello, subscribers. It’s Haley, voice of the In the Loop: Theme Park Scoops newsletter.
Express Passes are a game-changer for Universal Orlando events like Halloween Horror Nights, as you get to experience more but at a cost.
Express Passes are limited to single-day, single-use when Epic Universe opens for participating attractions. Most of the Epic Universe attractions are included, like Monsters Unchained and Stardust Racers, but there are a few not included.
As for the cost, an Express Pass for opening day is $260. Talking with those who have seen Epic Universe during Team Member previews, I was told the size of the ride queues was noticeable because of how massive they are, an indication of how full they are expected to become.
To check out Express Passes, plus other add-on experiences available for purchase, click here.
More epic lodging 🛎️
Epic Universe is attracting a lot of people to not only visit but stay near the action.
Universal Terra Luna Resort, one of two celestial hotels located near Epic Universe, welcomed its first guests this week. Like Stella Nova, Terra Luna will provide guests with resort-style amenities and quality food and drink options.
Looking at the details, I can differentiate the two hotels based on the color scheme. Stella Nova’s lobby and porte-cochère is black, whereas Terra Luna’s is white.
Make me a Monster 🧟💄
Bippity Boppity WHO-tique?!?
According to our online poll, Dark Universe is holding steady at No. 1 for the most-hyped world at Epic Universe. What better way to embrace Universal Monsters than to become one?
Bookings for the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience are open for either the makeup option or a full experience with accessories. This has me thinking about how a werewolf would accessorize.
You can find more details on the monster makeup experience in our web story round-up on shows and entertainment.
Walt Disney World
New Disney buzz 🎯
A little deluge of Walt Disney World news dropped this week. Not only did we get to go behind the scenes and see how magic is made, but Disney revealed opening dates for a couple of attractions (coincidentally right after Epic Universe’s opening), ticket deals, and resort room deals.
We also learned that an upgrade is coming to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. As someone who has a love-hate relationship with this ride, I’m excited about what’s been revealed.
Disney has been doing a lot of teasing about its Villains show coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Both “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” and the long-awaited return of a show based on The Little Mermaid will open on the same day.
Legoland Florida
There’s always some type of build happening at Legoland Florida, and this week, we found out construction is underway for an indoor roller coaster.
As part of a $90 million investment that covers both Florida and its California park, the roller coaster will have a storyline specifically designed for families with children ages 2 to 12.
Details on a coaster theme haven’t been revealed, but based on the video of a concrete pour, it appears this coaster is being built in the LEGO City area of the park.
SeaWorld Orlando
A manatee milestone 🥬
Whenever I venture into SeaWorld Orlando, the posted number of SeaWorld animal rescues often catches my eye.
Many manatees are among that number. This week, SeaWorld announced that it rescued its 1,000th manatee. Just last year, SeaWorld rescued 61 manatees alone and rehabilitated and returned 38 of them.
What makes this news even better is that Florida seems to have passed its “unusual manatee mortality event”.
If you’re headed out to any of Central Florida’s theme parks, don’t forget to post a photo to our PinIt! page. There is an In The Loop channel.
If you have any theme park news or rumors, connect with me by email or reach out to me on my X or Instagram.