What to expect from Epic Universe opening day and grand opening + how to watch livestream

_{Last updated May 19, 2025; original version published May 16.}

Monday, May 19: Final day of Epic Universe previews

Since mid-April, Epic Universe has been in technical rehearsal prior to the new theme park’s official May 22 opening, first to select groups of guests and later to the general public. Monday, May 19, is the final day of Epic Universe previews. The park will be open from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. that day for preview ticket-holders. (Preview tickets are still available at the time of this writing on Universal’s website for $149-$154.)

Tuesday, May 20: Epic Universe closed to the public

Epic Universe will not be open for previews on Tuesday, May 20.

Wednesday, May 21: Epic Universe closed to the public + ‘Today’ show broadcast + grand opening livestream

Epic Universe will not be open for previews on Wednesday, May 21, but fans at home can get their fill of all things Epic Universe.

7 a.m.

The “Today” show will broadcast all four hours of its programming live from Epic Universe on May 21 from 7-11 a.m. ET on NBC. This includes the standard “Today” show, “Today Third Hour,” and “Today with Jenna & Friends.” The playback of the broadcast will stream on Peacock.

The lineup of guests and programming during the Epic Universe broadcast of “Today” will include the following, according to TV Lineup:

• the cast of the upcoming live-action “How to Train Your Dragon” movie: Gerard Butler, Nico Parker, and Mason Thames plus the director, Dean DeBlois
• a segment about sustainability at Epic Universe
• “Rules of Culture: Theme Park Edition” with Matt Rogers, co-host of the “Las Culturistas” podcast

6 p.m.

Universal Orlando will livestream the Epic Universe Grand Opening Celebration in some capacity on the evening of Wednesday, May 21 the night before the new theme park’s official opening day. On social media, Universal posted:

Get ready to join us virtually via livestream from Universal Epic Universe on May 21 at 7 p.m. ET as we step through the portals and celebrate Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park. Blue carpet coverage starts at 6 p.m. ET.

The mention of a “blue carpet” indicates celebrity interviews, and the livestream’s promotional artwork depicts fireworks.

You can also stay in the loop that evening by following Attractions Magazine on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Thursday, May 22: Epic Universe opening day

Epic Universe’s official opening day is Thursday, May 22! The park’s operations schedule for opening day includes:

6 a.m.

• The parking lot will open for Epic Universe, including ride share drop-off.
• Buses begin transportation to Epic Universe from all Universal Orlando hotels.

7 a.m.

• Turnstiles to Epic Universe open (at both entrances: the main entrance at the Chronos tower + the back entrance for guests staying at Universal Helios Grand Hotel)

8 a.m.

• A “brief celebratory moment” to mark the grand opening day of Epic Universe

9 a.m.

• Park officially “opens” for the operating day.

The park is “open” from 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. on May 22.

Epic Universe tickets for opening day are sold out.

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