As spring deepens into warmer temperatures, there’s something on a lot of working folks’ minds: summer vacations.
Some prefer to take the whole family to the beach or a water park to spend a few days in the sun, while others may save all year to be able to afford something bigger.
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Unless the plan is an overseas vacation, there’s only one other big thing that would require a lot of saving to afford, and that’s a theme park.
While Disney and Universal Studios continue to see millions of visitors every year, some on repeat trips, there are always other travelers with a hankering to see something completely new that they’ve never seen before.
Related: Disney World quietly makes a controversial change
Those are likely the same people that have been waiting years for the big debut of Universal Epic Universe theme park, which will finally have its grand opening on May 22, 2025.
Announced six years ago on Aug. 1, 2019, Universal Epic Universe was planned to be the third theme park at Universal Orlando. Universal promised a total of five new areas to explore inside the park, including Celestial Park, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
Now that the park’s opening is less than a month away, you would think fans who have awaited it for the past six years would be overjoyed.Â
But instead, many of them are angry about Universal’s last-minute move regarding Universal Epic Universe.
An artist’s rendering of Universal Epic Universe.
Image source: Universal Studios
Changes to Universal Epic Universe early preview
Universal passholders expected that they would get early access to Universal Epic Universe. The date for that was April 17, more than a month before the park’s official opening, and the early access was originally offered to Annual and Seasonal Passholders, active 2025 Military Freedom Pass Ticket Holders, Universal Rewards Signature VISA Card members, and guests staying at any Universal Orlando hotel.
However, Universal made an update on April 29.Â
Related: Disney World makes families a generous offer
“Starting today, the general public can purchase tickets to visit Epic Universe and preview the groundbreaking experience through May 19,” Universal Orlando Resort said in a statement.
Passholders disappointed by Universal’s decision
People were quick to respond to the move on social media, expressing both anger and disappointment.
“This is unfair,” writes X user GriNga in the comments of the announcement. “You promised and offered a preview release for annual passholders and hotel guests, but now you’re allowing everyone to buy tickets. We understand it’s a preview and that some attractions may not be available, but we don’t want to experience the park with big crowds. The only way to fix this is by offering express lane access for passholders and hotel guests during release days.”
The official Universal Orlando Resort account replied to the comment, saying, “Hello, we can assure you that we’re managing capacity and ticket inventory for Universal Epic Universe to ensure we’re providing the best possible experience for our guests.”
Another X commenter, MJ, also said, “We feel misled and extremely disappointed. We purchased our tickets based on the promise of an AP-exclusive preview. As loyal passholders for six years, this feels like a breach of trust. We’ll be calling to request a refund for the tickets sold under false pretenses.”
Universal also responded to this comment and others like it, saying, “We apologize for any disappointment you may be experiencing. Please be assured we are formally documenting your feedback for internal review by the proper leadership teams.”
Universal Orlando has not made any formal announcement to address customer reaction since. TheStreet has reached out to them for comment.
Related: Universal Resorts is opening a new theme park, not in Orlando
