Orlando’s Epic Universe Theme Park Will open on May 22ndcurrently the only way to enter the park is through a multi-day package, which includes single-day tours within the Epic.
Cary Dillon
While more ticketing options are expected to go on sale before the parks open, Universal says it’s taking this strategy to handle the high demand Epic expects and to ensure guests have a positive experience at the new parks.
Travel advisors applauded the initiative, many of whom have long waiting lists for customers waiting to get into Epic.
Kari Dillon, owner of Marvelous Mouse Travels in Huntersville, NC (“Travel Weekly” power list No. 72), calling it “a brilliant strategy to spread park visitors across all the parks.”
“Epic won’t be able to keep up with demand, so this is critical and a great strategy to manage capacity,” Dillon said.
Anthony Sickinger, Executive Director of Worldwide Sales and Marketing and Disney Destinations, Academy Travel, Manahawkin, NJ (No. 71 on the power list), said the ticket policy will not prevent his customers from visiting Universal Studios when Epic opens.
Anthony Sickinger
“There are so many new and exciting enhancements and technologies incorporated that it’s fun for everyone,” said Seekinger. “People want to take advantage of any time they can get in there, even if it’s just for a day right now. Of course, customers will be able to visit the original theme parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.”
He said for first-time visitors to Universal Orlando Resort, there’s plenty to do besides the Epic. “Otherwise, they’re seeing a sequel and not the original story – you need to take it all in or you’re missing out on a lot.”
Adam Duckworth, President and Founder of Travelmation Fort Lauderdale (No. 59 on the power list), predicting that by the second half of 2025 or 2026, there will be more ways to visit Epic Universe. He added that Universal implemented a once-access policy for Epic because it was a simpler solution than managing capacity through a reservation system. “
News of Epic’s opening date is a big deal for customers eager for a chance to visit the new park.
Many people “have been anxiously awaiting the opening day announcement,” Seekinger said. General bookings declined in the final quarter of the year as many customers said they were waiting for Epic’s opening date.
“We haven’t seen such exciting scenes for a long time,” he added. “This is great news for travel agents. It’s a great time for those who are struggling with summer sales. It’s going to be a busy summer for Universal Orlando Resort ”
Fernando Flores, vice president of consumer sales and resort leader for Universal Parks and Resorts, encourages advisors to join the Universal Partner Community, the hub for Universal Travel advisor news and updates, training, sales and promotional tools .
There, they will find sales training opportunities for Universal’s travel industry sales team, including Epic training and available ticketing options, Flores said.
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